（August 10, 2010）

COCHLEAR posted a 19 per cent rise in full-year net profit today as it continued to roll out its new generation cochlear implant.

The world's largest maker of inner ear implants said that net profit for the 12 months ended June 30 was $155.2 million, up from the previous year's $130.5m.

It said revenue increased by 6 per cent to $734.8m from $694.7m previously, while earnings before interest and tax rose 20 per cent to $220.5m from $183.3m.

The company declared a final dividend of $1.05 cents a share, up from 95c a year ago.

Cochlear said its Nucleus 5 – the latest generation implant and sound processor which includes a wireless assistant -- has been rolled out into nearly 50 countries.

"Nucleus 5 will continue underperforming growth in 2010-11 and software enhancement available towards the end of the calendar year will facilitate upgrade processor sales," it said in a statement.

"The dynamics of the implantable hearing device industry remain positive in terms of cost effective, life changing outcomes driving market growth."

(Source:Australian)